The new BMW 1 Series Convertible, was officially launched at Bowker BMW on 5 April 2008 - the world’s first premium convertible in the compact segment. 

Powered by four- and six-cylinder engines, from the entry-level 143hp 118i Convertible to the ‘bahn-storming 306hp 135i Convertible, the open-topped 1 Series uses elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme to deliver high-performance, economical and low-emission, roof-down motoring.

The Convertible is the fourth derivative of 1 Series to be launched and carries over much of the styling and technology from the Coupé model.  The obvious addition is an electro-hydraulic fabric roof that opens or closes in 22 seconds, and at speeds of up to 25mph.  The convertible roof is available in classic black, beige or, as a world first, an innovative anthracite silver fleck which is a fabric material interwoven with fine shiny metallic fibres.

Viewed from any angle, the BMW 1 Series genes are clear in the new Convertible.  From the front, BMW’s trademark double headlamp unit and large kidney grilles dominate.  In profile, the relationship to the Coupé is clear.  Both cars share a virtually identical silhouette and the classic long bonnet, short overhangs and set-back greenhouse proportions.  The distinctive, horizontal shoulder line runs from the front of the bonnet, through the long, frameless doors, and onto the end of the boot lid.  This line visually connects the front and rear.  It is complemented by the 1 Series’ typical lower swage line and contoured sill, both designed to visually elongate the appearance of the car. 

The interior of the new BMW 1 Series Convertible features stretched horizontal lines that visually dominate the cockpit.  With space for four occupants and 305 litres of boot space with the roof up (260 litres with the roof down), there is plenty of room to convey occupants and luggage over the longest of journeys.

Owners of 1 Series Convertible models benefit from SunReflective Leather Technology whenever leather seat coverings are specified.  BMW is the only manufacturer to offer this innovative technology that uses ‘cool pigments’ during production to reflect infrared rays of sunlight.  This reduces the surface temperature of the seat surfaces by up to 20 degrees Celsius when compared to conventional leather upholstery.

Carried over from the new BMW 3 Series Convertible are specific settings for the air conditioning system.  Alongside the standard ‘gentle’, ‘medium’ and ‘intensive’ settings, the system recognises when the roof has been opened and defaults to a ‘convertible’ mode.  In this situation, the ventilation control reacts less to the interior temperature and more to the outside temperature and sunlight factors to establish the intensity of the ventilation supplied.

Safety is of paramount importance for BMW and the 1 Series Convertible comes with an additional tier of protection in the event of a roll-over.  A sensor registers an imminent danger and, alongside the relevant airbag deployment, two roll-over bars extend from behind the rear seats in a fraction of a second to protect the safety cell.

The new BMW 1 Series Convertible is currently offered with four petrol and one diesel engine.

BMW 135i Convertible.
Straight six cylinder petrol engine with Twin Turbo and High-precision direct injection.
Capacity: 2,979cc.  Output: 306hp at 5,800 min. Torque: 400 Nm at 1,300–5,000 min.  Acceleration from 0-62mph: 5.6 seconds.  Top speed: 155mph (electronically limited).  Average consumption and CO2 emission figures not yet available.

BMW 125i Convertible.
Straight six cylinder petrol engine with magnesium aluminium alloy crankcase, double VANOS and VALVETRONIC.  Capacity: 2,996cc.  Output: 218hp at 6,100 min.  Torque: 270 Nm at 2, 500min.  Acceleration from 0-62mph: 6.8 seconds.  Top speed: 148mph.  Average consumption: 34.9mpg with CO2 emissions: 195g/km.

BMW 120i Convertible.
In-line four cylinder petrol engine with High-precision direct injection.  Capacity: 1,995cc.  Output: 170hp at 6,700min.  Torque: 210Nm at 4,250min.  Acceleration from 0-62mph: 8.4 seconds.  Top speed: 137mph.  Average consumption: 42.8mpg and CO2 emissions: 158g/km.

BMW 118i Convertible.
In-line four cylinder petrol engine with High Precision Direct Injection.  Capacity: 1,995cc.  Output: 143hp at 6,000min.  Torque: 190Nm at 4, 250min.  Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.3 seconds.  Top speed: 130mph.  Average consumption and CO2 emission figures not yet available.

BMW 120d Convertible.
In-line four cylinder diesel engine with turbo charge and common rail direct injection.  Diesel Particulate Filter fitted as standard.  Capacity: 1,995cc.  Output: 177hp at 4,000min.  Torque: 350 Nm at 1,750– 3,000min.  Acceleration 0-62mph: 8.1 seconds.  Top speed: 138mph.  Average consumption and CO2 emission figures not yet available.

The new BMW 1 Series Convertible is the latest in the line of BMW models to benefit from a raft of performance and economy measures under the banner of BMW EfficientDynamics. 

Brake Energy Regeneration features on all models and uses intelligent Alternator Control and an Absorbent Glass Matt battery to harness engine power that would normally have been lost during engine over-run or braking.  An optimum gear shift indicator also features on all manual-gearbox cars to inform the driver of the appropriate gear for the most economical driving.

All models feature a new, clutched air conditioning pump.  When not in use, the pump decouples and uses only 200 watts, or ten per cent, of the normal power needed to drive a conventional pump.  In addition, other than the range-topping 135i Convertible, all models feature electronic power steering.  In contrast to conventional hydraulic power steering, the 1 Series’ electronic system operates on an ‘on demand’ basis, reducing engine output normally needed to power the steering hydraulics.

All four-cylinder manual gearbox cars feature BMW’s Auto Start-Stop system as standard.  In urban traffic, when the gear is deselected and the clutch pedal raised, the engine automatically cuts out, thus eliminating emissions and any fuel consumption while static.  When the traffic starts moving, the clutch is depressed in order to select the gear to pull away and, immediately, the engine fires back into life.

Finally, in common with 135i Coupé customers, purchasers of 135i Convertible models also benefit from BMW’s electronic differential lock.  Promoting a sporting and involving style of driving, the electronic differential lock works when the car is accelerating hard out of corners or tight bends.  In this situation, it electronically slows the spinning inside rear wheel to enhance vehicle traction and ensure that all available power is transferred to the road.

The new BMW 1 Series Convertible starts from £22,280 on the road.  For more information, please contact Paul Crowhurst, PFA Liaison, on 07787 532299.